Samuel "Sam" Rhodes Jr, age 93, passed from this life into paradise on January 7, 2026.

Sam was born in rural Mercer County, OH on December 22, 1932, to the late Samuel and Opal (Now) Rhodes. He was a 1950 graduate of Celina High School. Sam lived a full life. He served in the United States Coast Guard from 1952-1956, during which time he married Marjorie Schleucher on March 20, 1955.

After his military service, he continued to serve his country as an Ohio State Highway Patrol Officer from 1957-1974. Sam helped protect various cities, such as Montpelier, Hamilton, Washington Court House, New Philadelphia, and Defiance. He remained a hard worker as he transitioned to being a home building contractor from 1975-1990.

He retired his career in service from 1990-June 2001 as the Defiance Municipal Court bailiff-probation officer. Sam was a dedicated member to his community. He was a member of the Defiance Church of the Nazarene since 2002, serving as a Trustee, an Adult Sunday School Teacher and Small Group leader.

His favorite pastimes were traveling, especially in the Rocky Mountains. He also traveled abroad on 3 mission trips to South America. Sam enjoyed attending family sporting events, woodworking, genealogy, Bible study and reading in general. He also loved to spend time with his four sons and their wives.

Sam is survived by his 4 sons, Mark (Deb) Rhodes, Tim (Tami) Rhodes, Steve (Tami) Rhodes, and Gregg Rhodes; sister, Sondra Jukes; 7 grandchildren, Sarah, Bryce, Erin (Erik), Brady (Jesse), Brock (Rachel), Samantha (Luke) and Nick (Christina); 5 step-grandchildren, Josh, Jeremy (Manow), Ryan, Jordan and Derek; 15 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife, Marjorie Schleucher; and three sisters, Evelyn Sealscott, Onalee Waldo and Jeanne Linn.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm at the Defiance Church of the Nazarene, 1656 Jefferson Ave, Defiance, OH 43512.

A funeral service honoring Sam's life will follow at 1:00 pm with Pastors Scott Williams and Terra Gorrell officiating. Burial will take place at Sherwood Cemetery.

Preferred memorials may be made to the Defiance Church of the Nazarene in honor of Sam. Donation envelopes will be available at the church.

If you are planning on sending flowers, please arrange for delivery to the church, on Tuesday between 10:00 am -1 2:00 pm. For additional information and to view Sam's online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.